A review by an0987
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An important book that everyone should read. Tess’ decisions seen from the modern reader’s viewpoint may be frustrating and don’t fall into the popular current  “girl boss” type narrative expected of women. However, I feel that this makes the book all the more valuable. It helps us empathise not only with our female ancestors and the moralistic social values that were imposed on them (and that they may have internalised), but also offers us the opportunity to sympathise with women in the modern day who have dealt with trauma and may not be acting in the “empowered” way that society expects them to. This book is sad, but I believe it is also illuminating and thought-provoking. 
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